Chipotle Mexican Grill is planning a promotion on Friday, June 13, 2025, that connects tattoos and food. The event includes a buy one get one free entrée menu deal and a giveaway of temporary tattoo sheets in select cities. The idea came from online posts that compared tattoo designs to the artwork found on Chipotle’s takeout bags.
This promotion is available nationwide for one hour only. It includes both real and fake tattoos, encouraging customers to take part regardless of their level of commitment to body art. In addition, a limited number of temporary tattoo sheets will be handed out at 13 selected restaurants.
Friday the 13th and Tattoo Traditions
In tattoo circles, Friday the 13th has been marked with special offers for years. On this day, many tattoo shops release simple, ready made designs that customers can get at lower prices. Chipotle is using that idea in its own way.
For one hour only between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. local time customers who show a tattoo at a participating restaurant can get a second entrée for free. This can be a real tattoo, a temporary one, or even a hand drawn version. The promotion applies only to in store purchases and is limited to certain menu items.
A Social Media Moment Turned into a Campaign
The phrase “tatted like a Chipotle bag” became popular after a major sporting event in 2019. During the halftime show, viewers noticed a performer’s tattoos and said they looked like the designs printed on Chipotle bags. Since then, the phrase has spread online, turning into a meme used by fans of the restaurant.
Chipotle mexican grill has taken this idea and turned it into a real world event. By doing so, the company is using internet culture to connect with its customer base.
Temporary Tattoos at Select Locations
As part of the event, Chipotle is releasing 13 original temporary tattoos that reflect parts of its brand. These include its black fork, water cup, slogans, and other symbols associated with the chain. The designs are printed on flash sheets and are available only at 13 locations during the BOGO offer window.
These locations are in large cities across the country and are the only places where customers can receive the tattoo sheets. To get one, customers must buy an entrée during the 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. time slot. The offer is valid while supplies last, and each person is limited to one sheet.
Where to Get the Flash Tattoos
Here are the 13 restaurants where the tattoo sheets will be given out:
- Atlanta, GA – 3424 Piedmont Rd
- Austin, TX – 801 Congress Ave
- Chicago, IL – 316 N Michigan Ave
- Columbus, OH – 1726 N High St
- Denver, CO – 1644 E Evans Ave
- La Jolla, CA – 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste 209
- Las Vegas, NV – 2540 S Decatur Blvd
- Los Angeles, CA – 301 N Larchmont Blvd
- Miami, FL – 891 South Miami Ave
- New York, NY – 864 Broadway
- Philadelphia, PA – 1000 S Broad St
- Portland, OR – 240 SW Yamhill St
- San Francisco, CA – 3251 20th Ave
- Scottsdale, AZ – 15425 N Scottsdale Rd
At these restaurants, only full priced entrées qualify for the tattoo giveaway. Kids’ meals and online orders do not count.
All Tattoo Types Welcome
This campaign is open to anyone willing to show a tattoo, regardless of its form. That means drawn on designs, sticker tattoos, or the official flash sheets are all accepted. Customers do not need to have a real tattoo to get the BOGO offer.
The restaurant staff will decide whether the tattoo meets the basic criteria, but the focus is on participation. As long as the tattoo represents the theme of the event, it qualifies. This opens the door for more people to join in.
Fan Involvement and Product Ideas
Chipotle has a history of launching ideas based on customer habits. In the past, it released a napkin holder for fans who collect Chipotle napkins in their cars. It also introduced a set of branded forks during National Fork Day as a nod to fans who pay attention to the smallest parts of the dining experience.
This tattoo themed campaign follows the same idea. It gives people a chance to take part in something fun, while also strengthening their connection to the brand.
Details of the BOGO Deal
To qualify for the buy one get one deal, customers must follow these steps:
- Visit a participating Chipotle location on Friday, June 13
- Make an in store purchase between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. local time
- Show any form of tattoo (real, temporary, or drawn)
- Order a full priced entrée
- Receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free
Each person can get up to five free items per transaction. The promotion does not apply to catering, digital orders, or delivery. Kids’ meals are not valid as qualifying purchases. The deal cannot be used with other coupons or discounts.
Marketing Strategy Based on Participation
Chipotle has used similar promotions before. These usually ask customers to take an action like wearing a jersey, completing a challenge, or showing a photo in order to get a free item or discount. These types of campaigns allow the company to involve the public in a simple way.
By tying a deal to a cultural or internet trend, Chipotle creates a reason for people to visit in person. It’s also a way to keep the brand visible on social media.
Online Sharing and Visibility
The tattoo campaign is expected to generate content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. As customers show off their temporary tattoos and second burritos, photos and videos could help spread the word. This kind of unpaid promotion is something Chipotle often sees when it runs creative campaigns.
When people share images of their tattoos and food, it adds to the brand’s reach. It also gives Chipotle more content to repost or feature, continuing the cycle of engagement.
A Larger Look at Chipotle’s Efforts
Chipotle continues to focus on connecting with its audience through experiences and digital efforts. With more than 3,800 restaurants across several countries and a full in house operations model in North America and Europe, the company has been able to test and roll out new ideas quickly.
By hosting events like this tattoo promotion, Chipotle maintains its position in a busy food market. Instead of sticking only to standard advertising, it looks for ways to build two way relationships with its customers.
Tips for Taking Part
If you’re planning to join the Friday the 13th event, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early to avoid long lines and increase your chance of getting a tattoo sheet
- Make sure your tattoo is visible and appropriate for staff approval
- Bring friends each person must make their own purchase, but more people can mean more fun
- Check your local store’s participation ahead of time
- Use the opportunity to try a new menu item with your free entrée
Final Thoughts
On June 13, Chipotle is offering more than a food deal. It’s inviting people to become part of a shared event. Whether someone has full sleeves or draws a fork on their hand with a marker, they can join in and walk away with two entrées for the price of one.
